the report made by Eszter Matolcsi

Attending the Agroecology Europe forum was an opportunity to begin to learn more about this movement. A full-immersion in studies, stories, projects, from the smallest to those on a European or international level A very intense experience, not only because of the large amount of information received but also because of the opportunity to meet the people who are part of the movement. More than three hundred participants including farmers, researchers, activists, students, consumers–all with their experiences to tell, their ideas and enthusiasm to share with others.

The next forum will be held in 2025, and at that time the time may be ripe for less informal and more impactful participation of the WWOOF movement.

In the meantime, here is a brief account of all that the forum offered participants, as food for thought for a pathway for WWOOF to Agroecology Europe.

Thursday 16. November

After a welcome from the organizer, Lili Balogh of Agroecology Hungary, the forum began immediately with some emotionally charged talks:

Ibolya Sáfián, a traditional Hungarian shepherdess and Hungarian Women Herders Group member, told us about their family’s life on the pastures following centuries-old traditions. For those interested, I also attach a link to a 3-hour video on herd grazing in the Great Hungarian Plain 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZfhjkQzRss Following this, the current status and challenges of sustainable agriculture in Eastern Europe were presented; examples of agroecological transition from different parts of the world; and the economic framework of agroecology: the ecological economy.

At the end of the plenary speeches, participants divided into four working groups focused on European agri-food policies; practices for healthy soil; supply systems and food communities; and the use in agriculture and food production of wild or underutilized species.

The second part of the afternoon was also dedicated to workshops, with equally interesting topics: commons and food sovereignty; territorial approaches to agroecological transition; examples of agroecological approaches to soil health management; and Living Labs to express the potential of agroecology. At the conclusion of the day there was no shortage of good, locally produced sustainable Hungarian food and folk dances to learn.

Friday, November 17

The second day began with three concurrent sessions to choose from on policy initiatives to reshape the CAP; innovative practices in agriculture; and horizontal farmer-to-farmer training.

In the second part of the morning, new working groups were formed on topics to be explored such as feminism; scientific research; ecosystem building in local communities; climate activism; Schools without Walls – Schola Campesina.

After lunch there was a chance to see the posters presented in the library or in the auditorium, meet the authors and chat about the various projects on display. Many posters were displayed with area projects in different countries (one for example brought by one of our hosts: Regenerative Communities), as well as large-scale collaborative projects such as e.g. Agroecology for Europe Hub, European Network of Regenerative Organic Farms.

The afternoon concluded with sessions on the importance of networking, digitization, long-term scientific research, socially and environmentally just systems, and the first steps to be taken in an agroecological transition.

Saturday, November 18

On Saturday morning, field visits were held. The destinations from which participants could choose were all of great interest:

● National Biodiversity Center

● a municipal network project of small farmers and ranchers to cater to a local market and city canteens

● a buffalo breeding farm and a viticulture farm

● two local organic vegetable gardens

On the way back, the last sessions had a focus on the Agroecology Europe Youth Network; the Hungarian agroecology network; and seed exchange among farmers.

The concluding notes focused on next steps: how to influence existing agricultural policies, production methods, and economic systems to give more recognition and weight to peasant agriculture and arrive at a resilient system that ensures dignity and justice for all.